Dec. 1

SALUTING SOME NOISEMAKERS
Let's look at a few players and teams who have made early-season noise.

In Iowa, a lot of people have paid attention to Luke Recker and Dean Oliver. But junior Reggie Evans has been a big-time force inside, both scoring and on the glass. Evans had his fifth double-double of the season as the Hawkeyes edged Tulsa 66-65 in the finals of the Gazette Hawkeye Challenge. He scored 20 points, grabbed 14 boards and earned tournament MVP honors.

Staying in the state, what about Larry Eustachy's Cyclones? They moved to 5-0 with a comeback win over a good Southern Mississippi team which earlier this season stunned Arkansas.

Jamaal Tinsley, one of the top guards in America, had 21 points and five assists against the Golden Eagles. Eustachy's team survived a scare against Division II Morningside College earlier in the season, and now the team appears to be back on track.

Mississippi upset Oklahoma in Oxford, so Rod Barnes and his Rebels deserve some publicity. Mississippi has received solid play from 6-foot-8 senior forward Rahim Lockhart, who is averaging just under a double-double a game. Guard David Sanders played well in his first collegiate start, scoring 10 points against the Sooners.

Another program on the rise is Fordham. Led by former NBA coach Bob Hill, the Rams are slowly building a solid program.

BIG WIN FOR REDHAWKS
How about a salute to Charlie Coles of Miami-Ohio. His team scored a big upset of Temple. It was a tough spot for the Owls, being on the road and in between games against Duke, but give credit to the host team.

The fans at Millett Hall stormed the court after the big win.

I've known Coles for a long time. We first met when he was coaching at Saginaw High School in Michigan and he had a star player named Tony Smith, who went on to play at UNLV. I've always felt Coles was a super communicator with young players and I knew he'd go on to outstanding things.

For the MAC, which has scored its share of upsets over the years, this is another big W. Central Michigan won at Purdue, and then the Boilermakers went on to upset Arizona. Toldedo has wins over Auburn and a very good Detroit team. Now add Miami to the list.

WATCH OUT FOR VIRGINIA
While people have been talking about Duke and North Carolina, down in ACC country Peter Gillen may have something special with the Cavaliers.

Virginia has great offensive firepower as Donald Hand and Chris Williams can flat out score. Travis Williams is a force on the glass. Keith Friel gives the Cavaliers an outside shooter off the bench.

This is a talented team which missed out on the Big Dance last season. I really felt that the Cavaliers belonged in the field of 64. The win over Purdue was a showcase for Virginia.

LEFTY'S MAGIC
Perhaps Georgia State is going to be this year's College of Charleston. First, Lefty Driesell's team upset Georgia in the opener.

Georgia State then added a nice win over Bradley. Keep an eye on this TAAC team.

RUTGERS GETS A WINNER
OK, I am going to shift gears and talk some pigskin, baby! Rutgers got a big-time coach in Greg Schiano off of Butch Davis' Miami staff.

I went to school with Greg's mother and father and let me tell you, Schiano has great spirit and enthusiasm. He has a wealth of knowledge and his experience working with the likes of Davis and Joe Paterno.

I really feel Rutgers has made a great decision here.